4.4.11

I have to admit a secret of mine...I am a white SNOB - okay now you know my innermost secret. I use only white candles, white dishes, white towels, white flowers (although I have been known to buy colored tulips), and white sheets. Nothing is more classic than white. White dishes set off the food on them perfectly. I cannot have a good sleep on anything other than white sheets, and white candles and white towels are absolute.

In interiors I love how white highlights good architecture, and any object in the room that has "good bones." White walls are a good backdrop for objects d' art and paintingsthat are placed in the room - white walls give focus to the lines of the items that are juxtaposed in front of them.

Painting a room white can make it have surprising depth. When I design an all-white room I use several different shades of white to bring out the architectural details, or I layer the space with strong forms in different tones and textures of white and then use some strong color contrasts to outline and bring the white into focus. My all time favorite white color is - Benjamin Moore paint Cloud White. It is a very soft white and easy to live with. It has a chameleon effect - taking on the colors of what is set next to it and changing in tone at various times of the day. Not every white is snow white. Try using whites tinted with: ivory, cream, antique white, and palest beige, blue and yellow. An interesting fact on the popularity of white is that Benjamin Moore has over 140 whites to choose from.

To maximize the light in a room I chose a paint with a semigloss finish rather than the latex matte finish more usual on walls. The "chalkier" matte finish absorbs light; the semi-gloss is more reflective.

Some of my favorite whites I use are are from Benjamin Moore: Cloud White, Simply White, Ballet White, White Dove, White Linen and Designer White.

165 comments:

Adore white. Find myself using grey whites on everything from baseboards to kitchen cabinets these days but I do still love a crisp white trim. All good white paint suggestions - another to try is "Alabaster" from Sherwin Williams. I use it often as a backdrop to "white" Ikea shelving and it's amazing how it makes white painted particle board feel luxe!

Your post on whites is very timely. I have used BM Simply White on all the trim in my house but now aould like to repaint a long narrow hallway which gets no natural light white. Do you think that I should use a different white on the walls, stick with the Simply White or go for another color all together. I am planning on a sea grass runner or the floor and there are lots of doors and a large built in bookcase along the hall. I love your blog!

Great tutorial on white. I do agree with highlighting the architectural features, it really does.All my interior projects i like to use colour and sometimes is actually to highlight "defaults" like unwanted pillars or other structural elements.

I am a white snob too. I use all white towels, bed linens, candles, and tableware is either white or cream. Most of my house is painted off-white, in either White Down (ivory) or Soft Chamois (more grey). I don't have beige, just off-white. All my accessory pillows have a white base or white trim.

Funnily enough, I just painted a room blue (F&B Skylight, but custom lightened by Benjamin Moore) and with a white bookcase built-in ans white trim it is so pretty. The blue makes the white pop!

I am a proud snob when it comes to white too. Just versatile and timeless and you don't need to always match things - it all goes together seamlessly! Much more affordable way to decorate too. I do it because I like the look and it is practical, as things don't need changing, don't need to match, all coordinate, etc.

Hi Patricia,Finally decided to comment after reading your "white's" column. I have been following you now for a few months and I simply can't delete when I see something coming from you. Not only are you an award winning decorator, but a wonderful columnist as well.I just moved into a new home and prior to seeing your latest, I had already decided that my Master Bath would be white on white on white on white with lots of fluff!I want it clean, bright, cozy, warm and inviting. Yes, white can be warm with the right fabric and texture.This is coming from someone who has decorated and re-decorated all her life as a hobby. I finally decided to become certified as a Home Stager. The course I'm taking online is through Haverhill, which appears to be based in Canada. I did notice and address for you on Kinzie in Chicago. I am a native Chicagoan and love the city.I'm currently in South Carolina.I thought this staging course would be a breeze, since I've been doing this for years, but it's quite a struggle as I go through it and see what this company is requesting. While I do the section on floor plans, they actually expect me to build walls and insert windows. I pretty much thought that was the job of an architect. I just want to arrange furniture, recommend paint colors and perhaps do the painting, choose and arrange deco items, recommend wall decor, recommend and perhaps make window coverings, etc.Thank you for all of your wonderful, valuable information. You do inspire me.Peggy

Loved this article on white. I, too love white but I always have a hard time choosing the right color. I think I'll try the Cloud White. I am about to finish up on a design for white window treatments. My inspiration came from, Michelle O'Bama's inaugural dress. I've been working on it for months and I thought it was such an "original" idea. But since I began the project, I've now noticed a lot of fashion designs have gotten their clue from her dress. When I finish, I'll send you a photo.

it must be a decorator thing- i feel the same way: i use ONLY white china, white towels and white sheets, almost exclusively white flowers (i have a weakness for orchids of all colors, but white tulips are my fave cut flower, and pretty much all i buy), and as for candles, i get a little crazy there, and every so often will bust out a black one, but only on a mantle or side table. candles on the dinner table must *always* be white.

love your list of white paints too- benjamin moore's decorator's white is my "go to" true white for most projects, particularly those with older architecture. it has just enough yellow so woodwork doesn't look plastic or fake. i haven't used cloud white yet, but i'll give it a try.

two of my favorite whites not on your list are pratt & lambert's designer's white, a true blinding white with a blue undertone (LOVE it for modern rooms or as trim for bold color), and p&l's seed pearl, a soft off white that is neither warm nor cold, but a perfect neutral.

I have allways liked white interiors and I love it when there's not too many contrasts.However I have played around with some strong colours on details in my house lately as I'm about to start working as a stylist for magazines. I have been working as an interior designer for a couple of years and followed my own taste in colours and furniture. Now I have to explore other styles and it's quite a challenge, but really fun :)

We are allso building a new, modern house for the second time and I would love your input and thougts if you had the time to stop by my blog sometime.

I can't get enough white ironstone. Never ever. I dream about it, search high and lo for it. Obsess and covet it.Thankfully I am a tabletop prop stylist so this is just another day at the office. Got to go, find more of that white gold.

You do have a real artistic flair with ‘white’ in home interiors Patricia and the email I received, by coincidence, this morning from Architectualdigest.com proves it. That a look at AD Travel: Vancouver featuring the host city for the 2010 winter olympics, slide # 5You’re making Vancouver look good in more ways than one--THANKS! Lausen

In most cases white is seen as a neutral background color even when used in smaller proportion. We can make use of a lots of white for a summery look. Using small amount of white can soften a wintery palette. Using a white background can make dark lights look more brighter.

Hi Patricia,I can't help but leave a comment on this post. As a designer, I've experimented with every white out there but my oldest and all time favorite white for walls is BM Cloud White. I've been using this BM formula since before it was called 'Cloud White' and even before I studied design. Every time I use a white other than Cloud White, I've been disappointed. Every time I see a white that I"m positive is the most perfect white I've ever seen,,,I discover, after inquiring,,,that its Cloud White. Its fresh and white without being chalky or blue and is warm without being creamy or reading as yellow. Despite any criticism I have ever read about the much 'hyped' or over used cloud white,,,I can attest from years of experience, its tried and true my favorite white too. I also consider myself a certified, white snob. : )

White has such a pure and seductive quality. Who can resist what it does with light? My question - and it has nagged me forever - but what about at night? How can white glow and cocoon you like colour does?????

I Love seeing your work,and am thrilled and awed at the detail you work into the wonderful rooms you desian.. I must say, am sorry to hear of your obsession with white, and how you are denying yourself the joy of living with color. I myself, take great comfort in it. best wishes, Lanell

Oh, none of us white obsessors are denying ourselves the joy of colour. Not at all! As mentioned in the blog, white serves as a wonderful backdrop for colour - paintings, whimsical little statues, accent walls, light fixtures, gorgeous wooden furniture and picture frames, the pictures themselves, a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit; it all pops and draws you in to admire so much more when not competing with coloured walls. I have much joy in the colours in my home. Much. In fact, I think I am more appreciative of them. I'm never going back. Don't be sorry for us, because we're all good. :)

Hi LanellI do not in any way deny myself the use of color – flowers, artwork, accessories, bold toss cushions etc.I just find that sometimes white is the balance and unifier, and works especially well to show off good architecture.

I am loving the monochromatic look. I have always been drawn to darker jewel colors,but now moving away from this and decorating in white. It really feels freeing and liberating! So much fun to add in your punch colors and patterns with a neutral background. I really am enjoying reading your blog it is so well done. Thank you so much!Celina

Patricia,we used Navajo White at our beach home on the Oregon coast,it seemed to be a favorite for seaside residences. In the late 70’s, everyone loved Linen White. My bedroom in the city is dark,and I am repainting the walls white and the ceiling another white. You are ‘right about white’ – like Vincente Wolfe, it just pops and enhances everything around it! Bette from Portland

These are very elegant design modern simplicity and the color white does make the room a lot lighter and wide...thanks for posting this one I also love the fact that windows are huge as it covers the whole wall on one side..

Hey Patricia...nice to meet you and your design blog!White has recently taken over my home...and I love the contrasting shades of it....makes whatever color I do introduce just POP.Happy to have found you...will be checking in to see what your up to.~Kathy~ @Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Great post. Just threw Benjamin Moore Decorator White on every single wall in my 67 contemporary townhome. I like your suggestion of highlighting some architectural details (of which I have some nice angles and lines) in the same white. Just now have to figure out what reads well with the tones of that Decorator White - which I feel is a bit grey/blue. But then again, I'm colorblind! White was indeed a good choice :)

This post is very nice and informative. I love all white interiors and you've showed some wonderful examples. I am impressed with the research you made to make this article awesome. Thanks very much for sharing.

I am into the whites myself right now... My friends are thinking that something is wrong with me, but all I know is that there is nothing like it. Especially if you throw a good chunk of color on the wall art or textiles!

The white definitely gives the room a classic and airy ambiance. We have created a similar ambiance in a buffet we redesigned, only one of the differences we did was we used a little more of a warm color scheme with nice wood columns.

Recently I discovered a brand called Delightfull lighting. The brand is inspired by the iconic creations of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. I was amazed. You Already know? I think it is a brand that will interest you , is sublime. See and comprove it… www.delightfull.eu

Reminds me of some of Carlos Mota's work-- he's a stylist and International Style Editor for Architectural Digest. Check out this article about him on Theodora & Callum's blog, it's a fun read: http://www.theodoraandcallum.com/blog/cat/creative-factory/post/my-faves-carlos-mota/

I adore whites they are classic & timeless, beautiful, frsh & tranquil. I always say white can make anything look pure & pretty look at the landscape when its covered in snow, simply stunning. When i see furniture makeovers white wins out for me everytime you can appreciate a furniture piece far more in white

Your decorations are very light that every person wants to have. It has an great appeal for the viewers of your gallery. It is very lovely and refreshing, it has also the good ambiance which is very important for a room to have.

I also LOVE white, wish everything in my house was white. Since I was a little girl have dreamed of an all white living room. And I also use all white towels & dishes. I have a question about paint. My income is limited so I have always used less expensive paints. Was always very happy with Cashmere White by Kilz but it has been discontinued. Does anyone know a color of an inexpensive brand that matches it? Thank you. Your all white pictures make me happy. :)

Wow, I have to admit I also love white. Its just so clean and fresh, plus it works in any room and with any furniture. I have quite a small bedroom, too make it seem more spacious I have white walls with some mirrored bedroom furniture. I have just added some cushions and textiles to break it up a bit. Great post, keep them coming!

As odd as this sounds I appreciate your post because I'm typically afraid of painting with white. Like you stated, there is such a vast array of whites, that I never knew if I should go more with one tinted with blue, or so on? Your advice is well noted and I for one greatly appreciate it. I think my next home is going to be painted in whites, and various shades of whites. Your the best Patricia.

I love white as well - I have a stunning post myself today with a white theme. You have a great blog - I love what you do - I am your latest follower, hope you come and see me sometimes, would be great - have a nice week.A xxx

We only have white china plates in this house too, and to me coffee and tea taste so much better from fine bone china than earthenware or pottery or stoneware. I'm here to find inspiration because we're putting a new kitchen in the house we just bought. All white - smartstone carrera marble look waterfall benchtops, high gloss no handle cabinets. But I'm a bit indecisive about the splashbacks, grey/natural glass or use the marble straight up the walls.

Hi there Knitabulous, I too am looking to do the same, I would love to know how it looks and who you used for install (if in Sydney). I was looking at Corian but it is SOOOO expensive. Did you find Smartstone price competitive? One more question, did you fit an undermount sink, with success?Thanks in advanceSimone

Oh my gosh, I love the white! That is so stunning. It's such a classy and elegant look, and it makes it look like there is so much light. I'm heading off soon to a Needham paint store to get paint to do my new house in; I think I'll start thinking about what I can do in white!

Great post, white has exquisite potential - having an understanding of it's full potential and purpose go hand-in-hand. I consider this crucial to the success of practical applications, some of which I see in my everyday work!

Hi, Patricia! I have a question, and this seems like the perfect place to post. I live in an apartment in the NYC area. It's big with high (9-foot) ceilings. It's not bright, but not terribly dark. It's in a 1929 building. I live on the first floor, so my shades are drawn most of the time.

I really wanted an all-white space, so on the advice of an interior decorator friend of mine (I told him I wanted white, but a warm white, not "hospital" white), I painted all the rooms matte Simply White with semigloss Super White trim and flat White ceilings. My living room has a cave ceiling, so in that room the ceiling as well as the walls are Simply White. The living room walls and ceiling and the hallway leading to it have a stucco-like finish. My kitchen and two bathrooms are both Simply White semigloss.

Have been happy with it until I've been reading about the famous Darryl Carter Moonlight White walls/Simply White trim combo. Now I'm kicking myself.

Can you (Patricia) or anyone familiar with the shades above shed some light (er, some white?) on the subject? Do you think one combo is more aesthetically pleasing than the other? OR althoough the Moonlight White is more "subdued," would it read too dark?

Of course, doing my whole apartment over would be too much of an undertaking. But maybe I'd redo just the bedroom? If I did, would that combo "clash" with the rest of the apartment?

I Love love love the white. Am about to redo a 2500 square foot ocean front property from all pine and brick and gyprock and cupboards with eams and wood ceilings and paint it all in white. Should I do everything in cloud white or would I use 2 colours......about 10 large surrounding windows all overlooking the ocean!!! Scared to death!!

The balance of elegant black and white color schemes makes the dining space extra ordinary, where each dining room decor idea also features large tables and imposing chairs as well as offers a beautiful contrasts with a very modern gothic concept applied in it.

I love the pictures of your white interiors and would consider doing one room white. My walls are not painted dark colors but I could not live without color surrounding me in some rooms of my house. Accents and accessories would not be enough. I do have all white sheets and towels though. All the same brand and quality so I can mix them up throughout the house and one set doesn't get worn out before the other. It works well.

I am in the process of finding the perfect white for my kitchen cabinets which will be sprayed with a lacquer finish. I currently have Sherwin Williams Dover white on all of the trim in my home, so I wanted to do a slightly different shade on the cabinets. I have narrowed it down to BM Acadia White or Simply White, but am afraid the Acadia White is too similiar to my Dover White, and afraid the Simply White will look too stark white and/or grey. My granite is brown/gold/cream, and I have a creamy, buttery tile backsplash. Any help would be great...as I am driving myself crazy looking at all these whites!!

I have got to say I did this for a school project even before finding this trend online. I use two Picasso paintings from hisblue period. This has inspired me to post them later on, and maybe create some more. :)I loved the Mondrian one by the way. Very clever!

An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

There is something interesting about the white color; it is among the most honest color to choose for any place. It makes free from all flaws, demanding extra efforts to get rid of the dirt and filth over the walls of your walls. Good choice, I really liked your choice.

I love this website; it is so lovely, fresh and inspirational. I have recently renovated my home and have gone all white with cool LED lighting throughout. The walls are the purest white (cool tone) that I could find and now I am trying to decide on window treatments. My aesthetic is clean and minimal, so I am looking at roller blinds, because they are the least intrusive option, but I am frustrated with the tone of the white shades that are available. All the blind companies seem to have the same white and when installed, they all turn a kind of warm white, and they look "dirty" compared to everything else in my home. One option is Hunter Douglas' Empire line which has a white weave mixed with a soft grey. I would prefer to have all white, but am wondering if the grey/white combination is the better solution? Or should I forget roller blinds and go with another option? Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Hazel Agnes

Featured Post

Definition of Abstract Art from the Tate Modern : A cluster of theoretical ideas lies behind abstract art. The idea of art for art's sak...

Visitors to this Blog

An interior design blog by Patricia Gray an award winning interior designer, furniture designer and artist from Vancouver who has created personalized environments for celebrities such as John Travolta and is published in numerous magazines including Architectural Digest. She shares her thoughts and ideas about art and design.

Blog Index

What people are saying..........

5 Interior Design Blogs We Couldn't Live Without This cleanly designed and beautifully photographed blog is the creation of a generous interior designer. Vancouver based Patricia Gray shares her keen eye for style, takes us on trips around the world and points out the resources and materials that she enjoys using on a job. The later is particularly useful for interior designers. It's great to see a master designer work, to look at her resources as they appear in finished spaces, and get an analysis of why and how they function beautifully. You also get the bonus of a well-trained feng shui expert, layered on top of this interior designer, and you can better understand why Patricia's interiors exude calm, serenity, and strong flow.

Patricia Gray is an interior designer par excellence with a pedigree that would wow anyone. Her innovative design work has been featured all over the world, and in many different publications (including the renowned Architectural Digest). Patricia's warm style and originality have helped skyrocket her to the top of the interior design world, and her blog reflects this. Design 55 UK

I love your blog......and view it every morning with my coffee to start the day in a good way.Margie Hennig, Zürich Switzerland

I cannot tell you how much i enjoy your blog, I really feel that it is the best in the blog world. Love your inspirations.Francine Gardner / Art de Vivre New York

Patricia,you give us aspects of the world that we might never see; ideas to inspire us, pictures that move us emotionally, a view to a kinder, more artistic world that lies within our reach. This must take time and energy, and I am most thankful for your blog. J Marie Goodwin Vancouver

You have one very nice blog bravo !!!Greetz Patrick Desmet, Artist Belgium

Patricia has such energy – she reminds me of a streamlined jet! “International, sleek, knows where she is going and always provides a smooth landing” – I always admire her work. pve